Walking on Sunshine (17 page)

Fame

S
HANE PULLED HIS TRUCK INTO ONE
OF THE FEW VACANT
spots in the parking lot of Sully's Tavern and then killed the engine. He tried to remember when he'd last been out on the town on his own and couldn't. While he never really had what he could call an entourage, he was always surrounded by people centered on the music business. Being out on his own felt like a fresh taste of freedom.

Shane hoped that when he entered Sully's he'd be left alone to go and locate Laura Lee, but he doubted that would be the case. By staying out of the limelight his fame would eventually fade at least somewhat, though being a celebrity would follow him around for a lifetime. Shane gripped the steering wheel and blew out a sigh. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all, because if he went inside and found Laura Lee dancing with another man he didn't know how he was going to handle it. But not knowing really sucked too. “Damn. This is a fine pickle you've gotten yourself into.”

What would Laura Lee do if he was honest and told her that he was falling for her? Shane groaned and hit his
hand against the steering wheel hard enough to smart. He kept going over the same ground in his head and came up with the same damn answer. He should go slow and not risk pushing her away. He just couldn't stand waiting any longer! Screw the whole two-week waiting period! He removed the keys and opened the door. It was time to make a move.

After getting out of his truck, he heard the sound of gravel crunching and looked over to see Garret Ruleman walking his way. “Hey there, Garret. What's up?” Shane extended his hand to the young man.

“Not much, Shane.”

“Been in the studio much this week?”

“Not really. I've been mostly listening to demo tapes with my dad. Oh, and Jeff Greenfield is thinking about cutting a Christmas album with Cat and we've been discussing with them what songs to choose.”

“They are such an amazing duo, but I respect that Cat wants to take a backseat to Jeff's career so they can start a family. It helps that she's such a talented songwriter, so she can fill that creative void while she raises her children. I'm sure she'll be happy to be part of Sully's South too. She'd be amazing at a roundtable.”

Garret nodded. “Yeah, it's a tough business to be in and have a family. I think I would rather stay in the studio than go out on the road. My dad was gone all the time and it sucked.”

“It can be damn draining and a grind. You're a talented musician. All the good stuff happens in the studio anyway. I wish you'd been around when I was still recording.”

“Thanks. I would have been honored. Do you miss it yet?”

Shane mulled that over for a moment. “Yeah, I miss the music and the fans but not the long hours or constant touring. I'll come out of hiding here and there for a special event or charity work, but for now I just want to kick back and enjoy the rest of my life. And I'm looking
forward to being a part of Sully's South. I'm glad you're on board with it too. It must be rewarding discovering new talent, especially when it comes to songwriting.”

Garret nodded. “I have to say that it is.”

“Oh, and hey, did Mattie tell you I want to have you two over for a barbecue and a swim at my place?”

“Yeah, she did,” Garret replied, but then fell silent, making Shane curious as to why he suddenly seemed so sad.

“Mattie is such a sweet girl,” Shane said, and looked at Garret to see his reaction.

“No doubt,” Garret agreed, but then glanced down at the ground.

“I thought that Laura Lee said something about you two coming out together tonight. Is Mattie in there already?” He angled his head toward Sully's.

“I don't really know for sure,” Garret replied, but something in his expression told Shane that he wanted to know if Mattie was indeed inside. He could relate.

“But let me guess. She's why you're here.”

“Am I that transparent?”

“Son, you've got girl trouble written all over your face.”

“Well, damn . . . ,” Garret said, and then chuckled. “Really?”

Shane laughed. “No, but it was a damn good guess.” He clamped a hand on Garret's shoulder. “You can tell me to mind my own business, but if you want to talk about it, I'll listen. And then keep my mouth shut. You got my word.”

“Seriously?” Garret asked, and looked as if he wanted to talk about it.

“Absolutely.” Shane propped his boot up against his bumper and rested his forearm on his knee. “Shoot.”

Garret drew in a deep breath. “Mattie and I had this sort of plan. I was supposed to help her find her girlie side so she could entice that Colby bloke into asking her out on a date. She'd been trying to get his attention
forever and I offered to help in exchange for Mattie trying to help me fit into the Cricket Creek social scene.”

“Ah, that explains the boots and Wranglers.”

“Right.”

“And you've fallen for her instead.”

“Good guess again?”

“Actually this time it's written all over your face. Keep going.”

“Now Mattie claims she's into me and not Colby after all,” he said with a frown.

“Um . . . so, isn't that good news?”

“I dunno.” Garret shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “I mean, what if she's got it all wrong and I'm just a . . . you know, a curiosity? I mean, as a celebrity you must understand where I'm coming from.”

“Oh, believe me. I do.” He glanced toward the neon sign and then back at Garret.

“Whoa. Wait. . . . Who are we talking about? Is it Laura Lee?”

Shane nodded slowly. “Guess I got girl trouble written all over my face too.”

“Lovely lady.”

“Yeah, and I know that if I dare make a move she'll think I'm a smarmy celebrity taking whatever I want without a care. And she's my housekeeper and personal assistant, so I'm guessing she worries about jeopardizing her job.”

“I'm sure she does.”

“So, what the hell do I do?”

“Well, it's a fine mess we've got ourselves in, mate.”

Shane chuckled. “You damn well got that right.”

“So, what now?” Garret rocked back on his heels and waited. “I mean, what if we go in there and Mattie and Laura Lee are dancing with some other blokes?”

“That's when we start throwing punches,” Shane said, and then laughed when Garret looked horrified. “I'm kidding.”

“Good, because I've spent way too much time on the
cover of tabloids. You, on the other hand, have this sterling reputation. Kind of funny that we're hanging out together.”

“Well, are you ready to head on in there and cause a stir?”

“No time like the present,” Garret said, and they fell in step together. “Do we have a smattering of a plan?” he asked when they reached the front door.

“I guess we locate our ladies, buy them a drink, and ask for a dance.”

“Like the local blokes.”

“Yeah, like the local blokes,” Shane said, and had to laugh. “Normal dudes.”

“All right, then. Let's go give it a go,” Garret said, but then put a hand on Shane's shoulder. “Let's exchange phone numbers in case we find ourselves in a bit of a spot.”

“Smart thinking,” Shane said, and reached in his pocket for his cell phone. “Because I'm afraid it's bound to happen.”

They typed numbers into each other's phones and then looked at the door for a second. Music and laughter spilled out from inside. For the locals it was just another Saturday night. For Shane it represented the new beginning of the rest of his life. Or at least it felt like it.

“You ready, Garret?”

“As ready as I'll ever be.”

“Let's do it.” Shane pushed the heavy door open and of course as soon as they entered, the crowd started to buzz. After nearly thirty years of fame, he still wasn't comfortable with the attention. No one knew how to treat a celebrity. Shane found that people either were too friendly or went the total opposite way and completely ignored him. Men got pissed when their dates or wives gushed all over him even though he did his best to be polite but keep his distance. Shane had learned to take it all with a sense of humor and did his best to put those around him at ease. And now that nearly everyone had
phones with cameras, having his picture taken was inevitable. He didn't mind posing if asked but found it rather disconcerting to have his picture taken without his knowledge or permission.

“Do you see them?” Shane asked, but Garret shook his head. “Well, I guess we should make our way through the crowd and try to find them.”

“And then what?” Garret asked. “Right, do the local bloke thing.”

Shane shrugged. “Yep, I guess we do what any other guy would do. Buy them a drink and ask for a dance.”

Garret nodded. “Simple enough, I suppose. So why am I so damn nervous?”

“Beats my whole hand, but I am too,” Shane agreed, but then chuckled. “It's weird but I like the feeling. Makes me feel almost normal, you know?”

“I get what you're saying. Tonight we're just a couple of blokes out on the town.”

“You got that right.” Shane went over to a galvanized tub and bought two beers from the cute bartender who tried hard not to act flustered. He handed one to Garret and then tapped his bottle to Garret's. “Let's roll.”

You're the One That I Want

O
F COURSE THEY WEREN
'T JUST A COUPLE OF
REGULAR
blokes and although everybody at Sully's was trying to act cool, within a few minutes Shane had a crowd of fans surrounding him. People recognized Garret, but he wasn't adored like the country superstar and after a few minutes he drifted from Shane's side and went in search of Mattie.

While Garret weaved his way through the packed bar, he finally spotted Mattie sitting with Laura Lee at a high-top table near the back of the room. When Mattie looked his way Garret started to wave, but she quickly averted her gaze in the way that people do when they don't want to acknowledge someone. His heart sank, but of course he understood. She had spilled her guts to him and he'd pushed her away. No, not just pushed her away but into the arms of another man. Garret took a swig of his beer. At the time his actions made perfect sense, but right now he had to wonder if he'd lost his damn mind. All he'd wanted to do was the right thing and ended up hurting her feelings anyway. By the time he'd gone back to her cabin, she was already gone, so he decided to come here
in an effort to set things straight. And now she wouldn't even look at him!

But just when Garret decided to hell with wanting her to find out if she was still in love with Colby, the damn guy started strolling Mattie's way.

And she smiled.

When Colby reached her table Mattie stood up and gave him a hug and then gestured toward an empty chair for him to join her. Colby nodded, gave Laura Lee a kiss on the cheek, and then sat down. Damn! Garret stood there rooted to the spot while wondering what the hell he was supposed to do. Should he casually stroll over there and join them? Buy them a round of drinks? Ask Mattie to dance?

No . . . that would be tacky.

Well, the decision was made for Garret when a moment later Colby offered Mattie his hand and tugged her up on the dance floor. As if on cue someone started singing a fairly decent Elvis cover of “Can't Help Falling in Love.” Feeling a hot flash of jealousy, Garret wanted to storm onto the dance floor and cut in. Instead he turned away.

So, at this point he could finish his beer and leave or act as if seeing Mattie dancing with Colby didn't bother him and then ask a girl to dance just to get Mattie's reaction. Or maybe he should just let the whole thing play itself out. If Mattie was still into Colby, then Garret had just saved himself a great deal of heartache. Yes, this was for the best.

But it sure as hell didn't feel like it.

Instead it felt as if some other bloke was dancing with
his
girl. Only Mattie wasn't his girl.
She should be
went through Garret's head, but when he stole a quick glance at the dance floor Mattie tossed her head back and laughed at something Colby said close to her ear. Feeling a bit sick, Garret decided he needed some fresh air and headed out to the back deck.

The cool evening air felt refreshing. Garret took a
deep, cleansing breath and walked over to the railing to gaze out over the river off in the distance. Thankfully the deck was deserted, most likely because of Shane's presence inside. Music and laughter drifted his way, but he tuned it out while he tried not to think of Mattie slow-dancing with Colby.

With a long sigh Garret looked at the beer that no longer appealed to him and decided he should just call it a night and save himself the agony of watching what he'd already feared unfold before his eyes. Mattie wanted Colby. But just as he was about to make his escape via the side entrance, he heard footsteps coming his way.

Garret turned sideways to see Laura Lee standing next to him. “Good evening, Laura Lee,” he said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster, which was almost none.

“Are you going to let that happen?” Laura Lee jabbed a thumb toward the bar.

“Let what happen?” Garret took a swig of his lukewarm beer and winced.

“Mattie and Colby.”

“She's making her choice. I knew that it wouldn't be me. Not that I blame her.”

“Oh, would you just listen to yourself?” She fisted her hands on her hips and tilted her head sideways.

Garret turned and leaned his hip against the railing, trying his best to appear casual. “Laura Lee, Colby is the kind of bloke she wants.”

“Oh, really?” Laura Lee pressed her lips together for a second. “Is that what she told you?”

“No—”

“Then why are you standing out here?”

Garret pushed up from the railing and stood up straight. “Because I've spent my entire adult life not giving a crap and taking what I wanted regardless of the consequences. Hurting people left and right.” He shook his head. “And Mattie is the last person in the world I want to hurt.”

“Because you're in love with her.”

Garret refused to answer and he didn't look Laura Lee's way because she would see the truth in his eyes. “Don't you get it? Our plan from the beginning was to get Colby to finally notice Mattie. It was never my intention to come between them. Look, I might be dressed in Wranglers and boots, but we both know that I'm different than the blokes around here.”

“Maybe Mattie wants a different
bloke
. Garret, let me ask you something. Have you seen her cabin?”

“Yes,” he replied, wondering where she was going with this.

Laura Lee tilted her head to the side. “And was it what you expected?”

“No, not at all,” he replied. “She has exquisite taste and a variety of interests that I didn't expect.”

“Garret, I believe that Mattie has facets of herself that she has yet to discover and explore. And I think you are the person who could help her blossom.”

“I don't know . . . when it comes to relationships I've been known to do more harm than good,” he said with a mirthless chuckle.

“Really? Well, that's interesting because you've already had a positive impact on her life. She's taken an interest in how she dresses and did you see her hair tonight? Garret, you've already started the process of helping Mattie become the woman hidden beneath the surface. Why stop now?”

“Because she's gotten what she wants.”

“No, she hasn't. Mattie wants you.”

“I've seen how she looks at Colby.”

“Me too and she looks at you differently. Garret, she always had that dreamy look on her face when she looked at him because that's all it ever was. A crush. Schoolgirl puppy love for her older brother's best friend. What she has with you is
real
with a solid foundation of friendship.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I know her and love her like a daughter.”

“If that's true, then she'll come to me,” Garret said firmly. “That's the only way I'll have her. I'm all through with taking what I want, Laura Lee.” He gave her a slight grin. “Even though that's not what Dominick the shirtless pirate would do.”

Laura Lee angled her head and then smiled. “Ah, from the historical romance novel you read. I do believe that you're true hero material, Garret Ruleman.”

“Not hardly. My past isn't so pretty.”

“Ah, but those are the best heroes, Garret. The reformed rake. The bad boy with the heart of gold. The hero who loves the heroine so much that he has the misguided notion that he has to give her up or isn't worthy of her love. Take your pick, although I think you're a little bit of all the above.”

“I think you're getting fiction confused with reality. At any rate you're giving me way too much credit.”

“Or perhaps you're not giving yourself enough credit. You've proven your worth tonight, so don't even try to argue with me.” She poked him in the chest but then leaned in and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

“And that's why I'm leaving,” Garret said.

“Have it your way, but keep an open mind.”

“Fair enough. Oh, and by the way, there's someone inside who wants to have a dance with you. And he'd be very pleased if you'd go in and rescue him from his fans.” Garret watched the play of emotion on Laura Lee's pretty face.

“Shane's my employer, Garret. I won't cross that line.”

“Then quit.”

“Quit the best job I've ever had? Are you crazy?”

“I get that question a lot and the answer is always yes.”

Laura Lee shook her head.

“Well, then at least dance with Shane. It will make his night.”

“I hardly think so,” she scoffed, but then glanced toward
the bar. “But I did promise to save a dance for him,” she conceded. “And I keep my promises.”

“Then promise me
you'll
keep an open mind when it comes to Shane. He can always get another housekeeper.”

“Not one as good as me,” she boasted.

“I don't doubt that one bit,” Garret said, and then gave her a hug. “You're a good woman, Laura Lee. Shane couldn't do better than you and I'm not talking about cooking and cleaning. Remember that, okay?”

“I will.”

“Promise?” He raised his eyebrows and waited.

“I promise,” she said, lifting her palms upward.

“Good, now go in there and give the man his dance.”

“Okay!”

Garret watched the spunky redhead walk back inside and then headed over to the steps leading to the parking lot. He walked toward his car with his hands shoved in his pockets and his head down. The wind had suddenly picked up and he could smell a hint of rain in the air. As if confirming his suspicion, he heard the rumble of thunder in the distance. As he walked Garret mulled over what Laura Lee said to him and wondered if she was right. He did know that Laura Lee cared about Mattie endlessly and wouldn't do anything to cause her any pain, and so for some reason she must believe in him. “Ha,” Garret said with a shake of his head. “Imagine that,” he mumbled, and the thought lightened his mood if only a little bit.

“Can you give a girl a ride home?”

“Mattie?” Startled, Garret looked over to see her standing in the shadows by his car, and his heart felt as if it flipped over in his chest.

“The new, improved Mattie Mayfield at your service. Now open the car door. It's going to rain and I don't want my beachy waves to get wet.” She pointed to her head. “I know I look effortlessly tousled, but it took me an enormous amount of time to curl my hair.”

“How did you get out here?”

She looked down at her boots and then back at him.

“Okay, silly question.” He walked over to stand next to her.

“Even in the dark your silver sports car stands out among all the pickup trucks,” Mattie said with a wave of her hand. “I watched you walk outside and it was either go look for you or karaoke the Dixie Chicks song ‘Earl'
with Myra.”

“I would have come back in to hear that,” Garret said. “Are you any good?”

“I can't carry a tune in a bucket.”

“What does that even mean?”

“That I pretty much suck.”

Garret laughed. “Even better.” He clicked his remote to unlock his doors and walked over to her. “So, why are you really out here, Mattie? You seemed pretty happy dancing with Colby.” The question made his heart beat faster.

“I was.”

Garret felt a flash of hurt. “Is that what you came out here to tell me? Did you kiss him too?”

“I thought that's what you wanted me to do.”

“Is that a yes, then?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don't want to kiss Colby. I want to kiss you,” she said, and before Garret could say anything more Mattie rose on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I was happy dancing with Colby because it was making you jealous.”

“Ha!”

“Am I right?”

“Okay, yes. Guilty as charged. In hindsight pushing you into the arms of another man was a poor suggestion.”

Mattie's eyes turned serious. “No . . . you were right. I
needed to sort out my feelings so I could prove you wrong once and for all.”

“And did you?”

“Yes, I want to be with you. Now just shut up and kiss me, Garret.”

“Gladly.” Garret cradled her head with his hand and slanted his mouth across hers. He kissed her slowly, savoring the texture of her soft lips, the taste of her sweet mouth, and the erotic touch of her tongue to his. When she leaned against the door of his car, Garret pressed his body intimately to hers, loving when her soft curves melted against him. Garret poured all his pent-up passion into the kiss, licking across her full bottom lip and nibbling before plunging deeply yet again. When fat raindrops started to fall he didn't care. Nothing mattered more than having Mattie in his arms.

“It's raining,” she said breathlessly.

“I don't care.”

“Me neither,” she said with a low breathless laugh. “Proving you wrong is so much fun.”

“Then keep doing it.” The rain pelted against Garret's back, but he barely felt it. Bending down, he kissed her neck, cupped her breast. He wanted to lay her over the hood of his car and make love to her while the rain and the wind raged all around them, but getting caught kept him from suggesting that fantasy. “I want to take you home and make love to you in your white cloud,” he said in her ear.

“Then what are you waiting for?”

“For you to ask me.”

“Take me home and make love to me, Garret.”

Moments later they were in his car driving as fast as Garret could go in the pouring rain.

“Since when did my cabin get one hundred miles away from here?” Mattie asked with a laugh. “You need to get a truck so you can take the off-road shortcut.”

“I'll do it anyway.”

“And get us stuck in this sassy little sports car? No way.”

“Good point.” Garret laughed and felt an almost giddy sense of pure joy. He had the strong urge to tell Mattie that he loved her, because in that moment he knew that he really was hopelessly in ass-over-teacups love and he wanted to shout it to the world. No one else had ever made him feel this damn happy and for no other reason than that she was sitting next to him.